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Born to Earl and Florence Keller in Indianola, Dennis has two brothers – Michael and Steven and one sister – Pamela. He graduated from Jamaica High School and is a veteran of the United States Army.

Growing up Dennis wanted to be a professional wrestler. Hulk Hogan was his favorite wrester and his inspiration. Although, his dream of wrestling did not come to be, he does still enjoy watching wrestling.

Dennis worked at the IGA in Westville for 8 years. He says “the best part of this job was getting to meet and talk to new customers every day”.

For Dennis, there were two major events that stand out in his lifetime, the Vietnam War and the assignation of President John F. Kennedy.  When we asked what the biggest challenged he had faced in his lifetime was he stated that it was the death of his parents.

Dennis stated that he believes the difference between todays youth and the way that he grew up is that kids today are becoming more violent and have more technology than when he grew up.

We asked Dennis if he could write a message to today’s younger generation to put into a time capsule to be opened in 20 years what advice would he have for them:  He stated

to stay in school!

Dennis resides with us at Pleasant Meadows and his hobbies today are playing bingo on occasion, going outside when the weather permits, taking road trips when we are able and watching sports on television.

Dennis is an avid Chicago Cubs fan, Illinois fan, Chicago Bulls fan, and Chicago Bears fan.

Pat was born in Herron Illinois to James and Pearl Bailey. She had one brother Robert Bailey who now resides in Arizona.

Pat went to school until the 10th grade but said she had dreams of being a clothing designer or an architect. Pat states that her grandmother was the influence for her dream. When her grandmother passed, she inherited her sewing machine. Pat learned how to use it and fix it and enjoyed sewing very much.

Pat’s first job was working for the Walgreen’s drug store in Herron, Il. Pat worked the counter in the soda shop making ice cream and milkshakes. She worked there for 10 years before moving to Chicago.

While in Chicago Pat worked for Perry’s Drug store. Pat had to acquire Beauty School education which led her to become the manager for the cosmetics counter. She also managed the grocery department and the pharmacy. Pat worked for the drug store for 19 years before health issues forced her to quit.

While in Chicago Pat met and married Richard Dabrowski whom she was married to for 35 years. Pat and Richard had one daughter named Lori.

Pat states that there were several world events that happened in her youth. The first major event was Polio. The second was the Korean War. She says that her dad was unable to sign up to go to war due to health issues, but she remembers he sold war bonds and did what he could to support the troops. The third major event was the Assignation of President John F. Kennedy. Pat remembers this day very vividly stating that she was at work when they got the news and they had a small TV behind the counter which she and her co-workers watched all the events unfold. She says that when they determined it to be true that they all broke down and cried.

We asked Pat what the difference is between the way the kids are growing up today between the way she grew up and she stated that in her generation they listened to their parents, they did not have drugs, and there was no technology. She says that her father did not purchase a television until she was 16. Before this her family listened to radio shows such as the Beverly Hillbillies.

When asked if she could write a message to the younger generation of today to be put in a time capsule for them to read 20 years from now what advice would she like to give them. She stated that she would tell them to

work hard by staying in school, get a degree in something that you love to do and always be a good role model to the younger generation coming up behind you.

Pat’s hobbies today include, crocheting, sewing, arts/crafts, and gardening. Pat has several plants in her room that she is very proud of. She has quite the green thumb!

Judy was born in Chicago, IL. to Maurice and Neva Price. She has one older sister named Peggy. When Judy was still little the family decided to move to Decatur IL. where she remained for many years.

Judy graduated High School from McArthur High School in Decatur Il where she enjoyed playing the flute and piccolo in the concert band and orchestra. She then went on to SIU in Carbondale for one semester. She states that she regrets not returning to college.

Judy was married twice before but then finally met the love of her life Bill Warburton, they always say third time is a charm! Judy has two children one boy and one girl.

Judy knew as a teenager that she wanted to do something in bookkeeping with numbers and figures. She states that she was very good at both, but fate and a dear friend had a way of changing her mind. When Judy was just a teenager she began volunteering for a hospital and just fell in love with the setting. Judy’s first hospital job was a first clerk for Dr. Grover Seitzinger. Judy worked her way through the ranks getting promoted to various positions. She spent 32 years working at Lakeview Hospital as a Transcriptionist and as a Histotechnologist.

Judy says that two of the most memorable events in her memory are The Korean War and the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

When we asked Judy what she sees as the difference between the way kids are growing up now from when she was a kid she said simply “electronics”.

When asked if she could write a message to today’s youth to be put in a time capsule and opened 20 years from now what advice would she give them her answer was:

listen to and appreciate your parents because they will not be with you forever and to get an education

As one of our independent living residents, Judy enjoys live entertainment, spiritual support, going outside and small parties and social events (when guidelines allow).

Both residents and staff enjoyed a fun day on the lawn with live outdoor entertainment Troy Stone. Residents and staff sang and danced and just had a great time! This really lifted our spirits. Thank you so much to Troy Stone for putting on a wonderful show!

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